Belgium considering recognizing Palestine as state

Development Cooperation and Urban Policy Minister of Belgium Caroline Gennez on Thursday said that Belgium is considering acknowledging Palestine as a state within a two-state system.

Gennez stated that, prior to October 7, “there were 500 trucks necessary to supply what [people in Gaza] need.” However, since the beginning of the conflict, only 600 trucks have entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, she noted.

Belgium's deputy prime minister called on the Belgian government on Wednesday to adopt sanctions against Israel and investigate the bombings of hospitals and refugee camps in Gaza.

In 2020, the European country's Chamber of Representatives set to vote "to formally recognize the State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel and to consider this recognition as a contribution by Belgium to the solution based on the coexistence of two democratic and independent states." However, it was never approved.